Porsche 963 tops GTP and the 911 GT3 R leads GT

Porsche 963 and 911 GT3 R controlled the 12 hours of Sebring race in their respective category leading 80% of the race: both Porsche 963 lead 273 laps of the 343 covered in GTP and both customers 911 GT3 R lead 257 lap of the 321 covered in GTD PRO.

One-two finish for both Porsche Penske Motorsport’s Porsche 963

Porsche Penske Motorsport’s pair of Porsche 963 clinched a one-two finish, repeating last year’s result. This success has handed the Stuttgart sports car manufacturer its 20th outright victory at the endurance classic. Daytona winners Felipe Nasr, Julien Andlauer and Laurin Heinrich dominated in Florida in a gripping battle against fellow Porsche drivers Kévin Estre, Laurens Vanthoor and Matt Campbell.

📷 © Luc Warnotte at Sebring. GTPs pitting after two hours racing

75 minutes after the round two of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship went green, the #6 Porsche 963 swept into the lead for the first time. Shortly afterwards, the sister car moved to the front of the 55-car field, where it remained for half of the race.
After the last of nine safety car periods, a nail-biting sprint unfolded over the last 16 minutes: with defending champion Felipe Nasr from Brazil ultimately outpacing Frenchman Kévin Estre, the 2024 World Endurance Champion. In a repeat of last year’s success, the factory team’s #7 car scored victory in the first two rounds of the season at Daytona and Sebring. Thanks to this second win in 2026, Porsche further extended its lead in the overall standings. The sports car manufacturer also retains its spot at the top of the Michelin Endurance Cup leaderboard, which includes the five longest races of the year.

📷 © Luc Warnotte at Sebring. Felipe Nasr in #7 Porsche leads Kévin Estre in sister #6

Laurin Heinrich (Porsche 963 #7): “Winning Sebring on the heels of Daytona is an incredible experience. A one-two finish for Porsche and Penske – unbelievable. Our team has once again showcased just how strong we are. Our race was flawless and we came out on top. For me, it’s a perfect day.”

📷 © Luc Warnotte at Sebring. Porsche 963 #7

Kévin Estre (Porsche 963 #6): “After a few hours, it became clear that the race win would come down to our Porsche and the 963 driven by our teammates. Both cars spent time at the front, and in the end, we just came up short – very disappointing.”

📷 © Luc Warnotte at Sebring. Porsche 963 #6

Porsche customers score the double in GTD PRO

In the GTD Pro class, Porsche customer teams Manthey and AO Racing brought home first and second place with the 911 GT3 R. The last time Porsche scored a double triumph across two IMSA classes was in 2008.

Thomas Preining (Porsche 911 GT3 R #911): “I’m impressed with how quickly we have found our stride as a new team in IMSA. Our team has made tremendous progress. Thanks to everyone who has supported us along the way. Today’s race was challenging and very strategic. The last two hours were like a DTM sprint: flat out, full commitment, and battling wheel-to-wheel.”

📷 © Luc Warnotte at Sebring. Porsche 911 GT3 R #911

Nick Tandy (Porsche 911 GT3 R #77): “A fantastic race. Our Porsche ran really well, and the team did an immaculate job. We had a bit of bad luck during a yellow phase, but we made the most of it with a bold strategy – and it paid off. Congratulations to the Manthey team on the win. We’re thrilled to take the points for our podium finish and are delighted with this strong result. After the disappointment in Daytona, this feels great.” Source: Porsche

Porsche 911 GT3 R #77

Related Info

📷 © Luc Warnotte at Sebring 2026. Both Porsche Penske still lead the race at 18:10

📷 © Luc Warnotte at Sebring. Porsche #7 scores IMEC max points at 4 hours mark

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📷 © Luc Warnotte at Sebring 2026. Some start process and pit stop photos at Sebring

📷 © Luc Warnotte at Sebring 2026. Cadillac Racing secured 3rd pole in four years